Google Pixel smartphones: Huawei turned down chance to build them

Huawei may have passed on a chance to manufacture the Pixel and Pixel XL for Google. A new report from Android Police claims the Chinese company cut off negotiations after the search giant made it clear that it wouldn’t allow any manufacturer branding on the upcoming devices.

Google was initially interested in producing up to three smartphones but didn’t want Huawei’s logo on the devices or in any marketing materials. In response, Huawei CEO Richard Yureportedly walked away from the negotiating table. Google subsequently decided to go with HTC, its “plan B,” as a manufacturing partner.

Huawei’s troubles with Google may go back even further. Android Police said that, when the two companies originally partnered to make the Nexus 6P, the phone was supposed to launch on all four major U.S. carriers, giving the Chinese company a strong presence in retail stores across the country. That plan failed to materialize after Google’s carrier negotiations fell through. Huawei is still struggling to break into the U.S. market.

Despite these issues, Huawei and Google may still be working together on a number of projects. Rumor has it the Chinese company was tapped to produce a new 7-inch tablet for developers to test out Google’s Andromeda software. The two companies are also allegedly in talks for a new phone launching in late 2017, which may also run Andromeda.